Clematis (Clematis 'Evipo018' BOURBON)
Discover Clematis 'Evipo018' BOURBON, a compact, low-maintenance vine with stunning red-purple blooms from May to September.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON is a highly desirable, compact cultivar within the vast Clematis genus, celebrated for its abundant, large, red-purple flowers. Developed specifically for container gardening, this vine offers significant vertical impact without consuming excessive garden space, making it perfect for patios or smaller landscapes where space is limited. As a Group 2 clematis, it provides the unique reward of flowering reliably on both old and new wood throughout the growing season.
This particular variety of Clematis typically reaches a modest height of 4 to 6 feet, establishing itself quickly as an architectural accent piece, clad with attractive dark green foliage. Its low maintenance profile appeals to gardeners seeking dramatic, colorful displays with minimal ongoing fuss. Ensure you site your Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON where its roots can be shaded while the flowering vines enjoy ample light.
The genus Clematis offers incredible diversity, but BOURBON stands out due to its manageable size and sustained blooming period from late spring right into early fall. Experienced gardeners appreciate its reliability and the ease with which Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON can be trained onto various supports, adding instant structure and elegance to any garden setting.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ranunculaceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-6 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Red-purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting your Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON should ideally occur in spring or fall, installing it in fertile, well-drained soil that retains medium moisture. These vining hybrids thrive when given full solar exposure on the flowering stems, but the root zone must be protected from intense heat. In hot climates, use surrounding perennials, annuals, or mulch to shade the roots, keeping them cool and uniformly moist.
Ongoing care focuses heavily on moisture management and providing adequate vertical structure. Clematis vines require a trellis, arbor, or other support system upon which to twine and climb; never let them scramble on the ground. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as consistent moisture supports healthy growth and ample flowering for this magnificent Clematis.
Pruning this cultivar is straightforward as Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON is classified as Group 2. This means flowers appear on both the previous year’s growth (old wood) and the current year’s growth (new wood). Generally, Group 2 clematis requires minimal pruning: only remove dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring, perhaps reducing the remaining healthy stems by about one-third their length.
Landscape Uses
Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON excels where vertical interest is needed in a compact form. Unlike some towering relatives, this cultivar is perfectly suited for training up trellises attached to fences, decorating porch railings, or adding height to pergolas in smaller spaces. Its manageable 4-to-6-foot stature also makes it an excellent candidate for large containers on patios, where its vibrant red-purple blooms can be enjoyed up close.
Beyond traditional climbing applications, this versatile Clematis can be planted among sturdier shrubs or at the edge of a border to scramble through supporting greenery, softening the structure of other plantings. Using this compact vine allows gardeners to layer textures and colors effectively without overwhelming neighboring low-growing perennials.
For companion planting, select partners that appreciate similar sun and moisture levels but do not compete aggressively for root space. Low-growing, shade-tolerant perennials like Hostas or Coral Bells are ideal companions, as they naturally shade the base of the Clematis vine, fulfilling one of its primary cultural requirements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Clematis is a genus of over 250 species, most of which are woody to semi-woody deciduous vines climbing by twining leaf stalks or in some cases trailing over support, but in a few cases grow as freestanding or sprawling herbaceous perennials and small deciduous or evergreen shrubs. ‘Evipo018’, commonly sold under the trade name of BOURBON, is a compact early large-flowered clematis, featuring extra-large, single, red-purple flowers up to 5 inches in diameter that bloom from May/June through September on both old and new growth. This specific Clematis was developed to be a robust, large-flowered vine sized perfectly for patio containers.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
This Clematis variety is susceptible to several potential issues, most notably wilt or stem rot, which can prove fatal if not managed immediately. Monitor regularly for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spots, ensuring good air circulation throughout the vine structure. Slugs, snails, aphids, and scale are common pests; using cultural controls like keeping roots shaded and moist, and vigilant inspection are key to prevention. If wilt occurs, immediately cut the affected stem down to the ground to try and save the plant’s root crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON suitable for?
The Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON vine performs best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON grow?
This compact vine typically achieves a height between 4 and 6 feet, creating a spread of about 1 to 2 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Clematis need?
For optimum flowering, Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON requires full sun to part shade, remembering that the roots should always be kept cool and shaded.
When does Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON bloom?
This variety provides an extended flowering period, blooming reliably from May all the way through September with striking red-purple flowers.
Conclusion
The Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON offers exceptional value to modern gardeners through its compact habit, low maintenance needs, and long season of vibrant red-purple blooms. This specific Clematis cultivar is highly recommended for container displays or structured supports in zones 4-8. Before planting, ensure you have a suitable support system ready and plan for root protection to give your new Clematis the best possible start.
Companion Planting for Clematis
Selecting appropriate neighbors is crucial for the long-term success of any climbing Clematis. Because the BOURBON variety needs cool, shaded roots, companion plants should feature dense, shallow root systems that can handle similar medium moisture levels. Hostas (Hosta spp.) are excellent choices, offering lush foliage underneath that shields the soil from harsh summer sun. Alternatively, low-growing herbaceous perennials that bloom earlier in the season, such as certain varieties of hardy Geraniums, can help shade the base before they decline, making way for the Clematis to take center stage.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Container growing requires slightly different attention than ground planting, but general seasonal tasks remain similar for this rewarding vine. In early spring, perform your light Group 2 pruning, removing any dead material, and apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering vines. Throughout the summer, maintain consistent soil moisture, especially vital for Clematis ‘Evipo018’ BOURBON grown in pots, which dry out much faster than garden beds. In late fall, apply a thick layer of insulating mulch around the base (if planted in the ground) or insulate large containers before the first hard freeze to protect the root structure over winter.
